Bridgewater Bear Tracks

Dear Families,

As you know, the district will hold a bond referendum election on November 5, coinciding with the general election, to reimagine Northfield High School. This bond referendum represents an important decision for our community. The district aims to ensure that voters are well-informed about the purpose and impact of this referendum.

The referendum aims to improve the high school facility in numerous ways. As a summary, the referendum has three questions:

• Question 1: Proposes $95.38 million for a new multi-story classroom addition, retains and renovates about 60% of the existing building, some demolition, and new HVAC systems at the high school. It addresses outdated classrooms, limited natural light, energy efficiency, building climate control inadequacies, and security issues due to the building's layout.

• Question 2: Adds a $18.725 million expanded gymnasium to address space shortages for athletics and community activities.

• Question 3: Allocates $6.975 million to upgrade the HVAC system installed as part of Question 1 to use geothermal technology, saving utility costs and prioritizing environmental sustainability.

The district has conducted over 90 educational events to ensure an informed electorate. Visit https://northfieldschools.org/reimagine to learn more.

One more tour of the NHS facility is on Saturday, Nov. 2, beginning at 10 am. Please enter at Door No. 10 and meet in the media center.

I also want to remind you about Carleton College’s historic pledge of $2 million toward the academic facility improvements that are part of Questtion 1. If the first question passes, Carleton’s pledge becomes a gift and the district will bond for $2 million less to fund the projects.

Finally, make sure you have a plan to vote! You can learn your polling location at the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.

Please direct any questions about the referendum to Superintendent Hillmann. Be an informed voter!

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov. 3rd. Don't forget to turn your clock back one hour for one extra hour of sleep.

Whether it's the warm weather, or students just have a bunch of extra sweatshirts this year, we aren't sure - but our lost and found is full to overflowing ALREADY. So, NEXT FRIDAY, November 1st, we will be donating anything left in the lost and found. As such, next week please have your children check for any missing items! If you would like to check yourself, feel free to come anytime during building hours (6:30AM-6PM). Thank you!

Bridgewater Gear is for sale until November 4th, through Larson's Printing. You may go online to see the items: https://larsonsprinting.itemorder.com/ and enter the sale code: BRIDGE24 to make your selection. Attached below is the flyer and QR Code.

Wednesday, Nov. 6th is Picture Retake Day in case your child was absent and missed Picture Day.

In person fall conferences are returning this year and will be held on November 7th and November 12th from 3:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. The Book Fair will be held November 11-15th. Looking forward to seeing some of you then!

Don't forget to set up your student's eWallet account for cashless, stress-less shopping. Friends and family can even contribute funds! Start exploring together and set up your eWallet here: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/bridgewaterelementaryschool

Our annual Veterans Day Assembly will be held on Monday, November 11th at 9:00 a.m. in the gymnasium. If you have a loved one who is currently serving or has served in the armed forces, please consider emailing a photo of him/her to be included in our 2024 Veteran's Day Slide Show. The slide show will be included in the assembly. All families and Veterans are welcome to attend. We will only accept digital photos in .jpeg format. Please email your photos to Kayla LaVoy at: klavoy@northfieldschools.org no later than Friday, November 1st. You will receive a confirmation email in return indicating that we received your photo.

We will be celebrating Grandparents/Special Person Day on Tuesday, November 26th. You will receive information from your child’s teacher regarding the specific times and activities. We will provide refreshments in the commons area for our special guests. The parking lot will be full, and we will allow grandparents to park in the parking lots, the fire lane and the bus loop as long as cars are moved by 3:15 pm, in time for dismissal. Please don’t forget to notify your child’s teacher if you are allowing grandpa, grandma or special person to take your child home with them; we cannot allow them to go without your permission.

In the last update I described the difficulty students face to be successful with the "Possible Shot". I think Savio was determined to prove me wrong when he nailed the Possible Shot on his second attempt.

Savio is a exemplary student every day. His reserved personality does not keep him from being a leader through his actions; you can always count on Savio to be doing what is asked and expected. Peers enjoy working with Savio and having him on their team. Savio was nominated for the Possible shot because of this. We are lucky to have Savio at BW!

Congratulations Savio!!

It was a great week in PE! We ended up having two students successfully conquer the Possible Shot, which is awesome and rare! Alan was the second student to make this feat! Alan was nominated by a peer for the Possible Shot because of his continual work ethic and positive attitude (despite his team losing the gator balls faster than he could collect them). Alan applies this same work ethic and attitude on a daily basis. Alan was another great student to be recognized and chosen for this honor!

The annual Trunk-or-Treat event will be happening again this year! The event will be hosted by the Northfield High School Student Council, and many of the HS students will be participating by decorating a car trunk and handing out candy to all kids who come! The event will take place on Sunday, October 27th from 5-7pm in the High School upper parking lot. There will be a lot of fun activities and our local police and fire department will have vehicles there. Kids and parents are invited and encouraged to wear costumes! See you all there!

Community School Registration is NOW CLOSED

Community School offers a comprehensive support system, combining academic instruction with social services, youth programs, and health services to enhance learning and community well-being. We provide clubs from Monday to Thursday, giving students additional opportunities for growth and engagement. Community School began on September 30th, 2024, and ends on May 15th, 2025."

Day of the Dead Celebration - anyone can come!
On October 29th, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Greenvale Park Elementary, we invite you to celebrate Day of the Dead with us! This vibrant cultural event will include crafts, games, and more. Bring your family and friends for a night of fun and tradition!

There is no school for students on Friday, November 1 or Monday, November 4; these are Teacher Workdays.

The lunch menu for each month will be provided in the newsletter.

There are many activities that children and adults may access during the course of the year. Don't forget to check the numerous opportunities from the Northfield Community Education Program: https://northfieldschools.org/communityeducation/

Nov. 1 & 4---Teacher Preparation-End of 1st quarter-No School for Students

Nov 3---Daylight Saving Time

Nov 6---Picture Retake Day

Nov 11---Veterans Day Assembly

Nov 12---Bridgewater Booster Club Meeting 6:00-7:00 pm in the BW Media Center

Nov 26 --- Grandparent's Day

Nov 27---E-Learning Day

Nov 28 & 29---Thanksgiving Break-No school for students

Attendance Line

507-664-3306

Benjamin Bus

507-645-5720

BW Main Office

507-664-3300

Nurse

507-664-3305

World-Class Learning for Elementary Students, Bridgewater Elementary School, situated on a 14-acre campus just south of downtown Northfield, is a K-5 public school serving approximately 570 students. It serves the neighborhoods on Northfield's southern side, Dundas, and the rural area south of Highway 19 and west of Highway 246. Students benefit from an active parent-teacher organization, Bridgewater Booster Club (BBC) and many parent volunteers.

The staff is intensely dedicated to offering a high-quality, well-rounded education that strives to meet the specific needs of each student. We focus on empowering our students in their academic and social emotional learning along with building a solid foundation for their educational journey in partnership with families.

Main Office Number: 507-664-3300

Attendance Line: 507-664-3306

Address: 401 Jefferson Parkway

Web page: northfieldschools.org/schools/bridgewater-elementary/

Email: nantoine@northfieldschools.org